The Credit Union Difference

“What’s the difference between a bank and a credit union?”

Always an excellent question. Read the facts below or watch the short, fun videos that we have blatantly stolen from someone else.


The facts:

Credit unions are owned by their members, not stockholders. If you have an account at a credit union, that means that you have a say in how it is run. You also get to vote who will represent you when you elect your Board of Directors. A bank is run by stockholders, who buy their decision-making position.

Credit unions are not-for-profit. Any profits that credit unions do make, go back to our member-owners. This is why we can offer lower interest rates and charge fewer fees than for-profit banks.

Credit unions are local. Decisions are made right here, usually within the same day. You don’t have to wait for a loan while we try to get approval from some higher up who lives across the country.

Credit unions offer more personalized service. We feel this is the most important difference. At a credit union, you are seen as a person, not a number. We will do our best to call you by your first name and tailor our services to meet your individual needs. We genuinely care about you and want to provide you with the best service possible.


Other People’s Fun Videos

These videos were created by Servus Credit Union in Alberta, Canada, and explain the difference between a bank and credit union in a lighthearted manner.

Part 1

Part one of a very two-dimensional financial mini-series.


Part 2

Part two of a very two-dimensional mini-series featuring the Young & Free Chequing account.


Part 3

The third installment of The Difference between Banks and Credit Unions series. Featuring the most awkward stickman run you’ve ever seen!